Daratumumab Shows Kidney Response in Lupus Patients
A small phase 2 trial found the antibody therapy improved kidney function in most participants at 12 months, though relapses occurred later.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Arthritis
Early trial results presented at ASN Kidney Week 2026 found that daratumumab, an anti-CD38 antibody, produced a renal response in six of nine patients with active lupus nephritis at 12 months. Four of the six responders later experienced disease relapse during 24-month follow-up.
Why it matters
Lupus nephritis is difficult to control with standard immunosuppressive therapy, with treatment failure reported in up to half of patients. The findings suggest daratumumab may be a candidate for further study, though the small sample size and relapses leave its long-term value unclear.
The phase 2 trial enrolled nine patients who received 16 subcutaneous doses of 1,800 mg daratumumab over six months alongside mycophenolate mofetil, with six achieving renal response at 12 months. Four of the six responses were complete and two partial, and whether remission can be maintained remains under investigation.
The players
American Society of Nephrology (ASN)
The ASN is a professional medical society focused on kidney disease research, education, and patient care, and hosts the annual Kidney Week conference where the trial results were presented.
The details
Investigators ran an open-label phase 2 study in which patients with active class III, IV, or V lupus nephritis received daratumumab alongside mycophenolate mofetil. Mean estimated glomerular filtration rate rose from 75.8 to 96.1 mL/min/1.73 m² by six months, and anti-dsDNA antibody levels fell during the same period.
Timeline
At six months, the daratumumab dosing course was completed and kidney function improvements were observed.
At 12 months, the primary endpoint of renal response was assessed.
At 24 months, follow-up was completed and relapse was observed in four patients.
Health Landscape
The trial extends the use of daratumumab, an anti-CD38 antibody developed for plasma cell disorders such as multiple myeloma, into autoimmune kidney disease. It adds to a limited pool of options for lupus nephritis, where standard immunosuppressive therapy fails in up to half of patients.
For people living with active lupus nephritis, daratumumab remains investigational and is not yet an available treatment option. Patients with kidney involvement should continue with their current treatment plans and discuss emerging options with their nephrologist.
The takeaway
Early results for daratumumab in lupus nephritis are promising but limited to nine patients, and the relapses seen later show that durable control is still an open question. Larger controlled trials will be needed before the approach can be considered a standard option.
Further reading
Explore more on Arthritis, where autoimmune joint and connective-tissue conditions like lupus are covered.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Derm Immuno Today.
